News Search

ArticleS

Afterburner thrills Monster Jam fans

  • Published
  • By Dale Eckroth
  • Air Force Recruiting Service
SAN ANTONIO --  More than 50,000 monster truck fans packed the Alamodome here Jan. 10 to see their favorite drivers compete in the 2009 Monster Jam.

The event kicked off with Air Force Recruiting Service Commander Brig. Gen. A.J. Stewart administering the oath of enlistment to 22 young men and women entering the Air Force.

"This is a very meaningful event," said General Stewart prior to the ceremony. "They see and hear the appreciative reaction from the crowd. It's also a great way for the audience to connect with the Air Force."

During the national anthem, an Air Force special operations team from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, rappelled from the Alamodome's rafters and unfurled the American flag. An honor guard team from Randolph AFB, Texas, stood at center field.

The patriotic opening ceremony gave way to a thunderous roar and applause from the enthusiastic crowd.

For the next two-and-a-half hours, the audience was treated to the deafening sounds of monster truck mania - an adrenaline rush complete with high flying, steel crushing, and super machine power.

The Air Force's Afterburner, driven by Damon Bradshaw, thrilled the audience with gravity defying maneuvers both in the timed event and freestyle competition. His crowd-pleasing performance in the freestyle event earned the Afterburner second place.

"It was a great night for the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Larry Wright, AFRS Strategic Communications Division Monster Jam program manager. "Not only did the Afterburner do well, but extreme sporting events like this allow us to tap into a market and demographics we don't normally reach. We're able to highlight Air Force 'extreme' jobs like special operations."